The council will spend more than $42 million of revenue raised from rates, charges and grants over the next 12 months, but expects to have an underlying deficit of $478,000.
Mayor Garner Smith said the budget adhered to the state government’s Fair Go Rates System, meaning revenue raised from rates cannot increase by more than three per cent from the previous year.
“However, councils across the state, including Gannawarra Shire, are facing accelerating costs,” he said.
“Construction, transportation and operating expenses are typically increasing faster than three per cent per annum, whilst changes in regulations that councils must adhere to is also increasing expenses.
“On current trends, regardless of how efficient council is, our bottom line cannot be maintained with our current level of service in the long term.”
Key financial documents adopted at the council’s June meeting outline how it will distribute funds.
Of the capital works program, $3 million has been allocated to stage two of the Cohuna Waterfront Development, which is dependent on a successful grant application.
A $2 million contribution from a Transport Accident Commission program will support various road safety projects in the municipality.
More than $740,000 is flagged for stormwater and flood infrastructure improvements, $500,000 will go towards planning for stage one of the Koondrook Levee, and $300,000 is set for stormwater network and town pump renewals.
The council is also seeking $1.28 million in funding for a designer to redevelop swimming pools at Cohuna and Kerang.
About $3.3 million will go towards road projects, including gravel road re-sheeting, bitumen road resealing and sealed road rehabilitation.
Kerb and footpath replacement will be allocated $480,000, while swimming pool works, bridge works and open space renewal will share in $300,000 of funding.
Cr Smith said the budget maintained other key community services, such as libraries, waste management, children’s services and recreational facilities.
Community feedback was considered in the final version of the council’s budget, which can be viewed at www.gsc.vic.gov.au-documents
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